Transitional Care Units (TCU)
Located within our Bradford and Westborough rehabilitation hospitals, Whittier's TCUs provide skilled nursing care, therapy services, and medical oversight for patients who need additional recovery time before returning home. Our goal: help every patient regain independence and return home safely and confidently.
Transitional Care Units (TCU)
Located within our Bradford and Westborough rehabilitation hospitals, Whittier's TCUs provide skilled nursing care, therapy services, and medical oversight for patients who need additional recovery time before returning home. Our goal: help every patient regain independence and return home safely and confidently.
Short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care
Located within Whittier's rehabilitation hospitals
Physician-directed care and therapy services
Focused on returning patients home safely
Transitional Care at a Glance
Located within Whittier's rehabilitation hospitals
Short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care
Physician-directed care and therapy services
Focused on returning patients home safely
The Final Step Before Returning Home
Not every patient is ready to go directly home after a hospital stay, surgery, or inpatient rehabilitation program. TCUs provide an intermediate level of care where patients continue to strengthen, recover, and build confidence before returning home.
Typical Care Progression
Our interdisclipinary team works closely with patients and families to ensure a smooth transition and successful discharge home.
Who Needs Transitional Care?
TCU care is ideal for patients who no longer require hospital-level services but still need skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or medical monitoring before safely returning home.
Common conditions include:
- Recovery after total knee or hip replacement
- Recovery after spinal surgery
- General orthopedic rehabilitation
- Deconditioning following hospitalization
- Patients requiring ongoing nursing and therapy services
- Those who need more time to regain strength and mobility to return home
Most patients are admitted directly from a hospital, inpatient rehabilitation facility, or other post- acute care setting.
What Is a Transitional Care Unit?
A Transitional Care Unit is a short-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation program designed to bridge the gap between hospital care and home. Patients receive individualized care plans designed to maximize recovery and support a safe return home.
Medical Oversight
- Physician-directed care
- Specialty physician consultations
- Medication management and monitoring
Skilled Nursing Services
- 24-hour nursing care
- Wound care and post-surgical monitoring
- Ongoing clinical assessment and support
Rehabilitation Services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Respiratory therapy as needed
Why Choose Whittier TCU?
Located inside Whittier's rehabilitation hospitals, our Transitional Care Units combine skilled nursing care with the resources of a rehabilitation hospital, creating a unique recovery environment focused on short-term success.
- Aggressive short-term rehabilitation programs
- Physician-led interdisciplinary care teams
- Customized treatment plans based on surgeon and physician protocols
- On-site radiology for X-rays and modified barium swallows
- Seamless access to rehabilitation services and specialists
- Family-owned healthcare organization with decades of rehabilitation experience
Our TCUs in Bradford and Westborough maintain 5-star ratings from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, reflecting our commitment to quality patient care.
Recovery Success Through Transitional Care
The transition from hospital to home can be challenging. Our Transitional Care Units provide the additional time, support, and rehabilitation many patients need to regain confidence and independence.
Whether recovering from orthopedic or spinal surgery, neurological event, or hospitalization, our team is committed to helping every patient return home stronger, safer, and better prepared for everyday life.
What To Expect During a TCU Stay
Every patient's recovery journey is unique, but most TCU stays follow a similar progression.
- Admission following hospitalization, surgery, or rehabilitation
- Comprehensive nursing and therapy evaluation
- Development of an individualized care plan
- Daily therapy and skilled nursing services
- Ongoing progress reviews and discharge planning
- Safe return home with appropriate support services
Throughout the stay, our team collaborates with physicians, surgeons, patients, and family members to ensure recovery goals are achieved.
Focused Rehabilitation for a Safe Return Home
The goal of every TCU admission is to help patients recover safely and return home as quickly and independently as possible.
Key benefits of Outpatient Rehabilitation:
- Short-term rehabilitation focused on functional recovery
- Daily access to skilled nursing services
- Coordinated therapy and medical care
- Personalized discharge planning
- Emphasis on returning home rather than long-term placement
Our interdisciplinary team works together to restore strength, mobility, confidence, and independence while preparing patients and families for a successful transition home.
Speak with an Admissions Coordinator
Our admissions team works closely with hospitals, providers, and families to coordinate transfers and guide the referral process.
Central Admissions Office
(800) 442-1717